The re-elected Liberal MP had snared 21,948 or 48.89 per cent of first preference votes, according to the NSW Electoral Commission. The figure included a sizable 5,277 pre-poll votes, 962 postals and 1030 iVotes, on all of which Ms Goward outstripped her main opponent.

Labor’s Ursula Stephens meantime scored 15,564 primary votes, or 34.67pc.

The former federal senator pulled strong support in Goulburn as expected and on Sunday was thrilled she had pared back Ms Goward’s margin from 26pc to an estimated seven to nine per cent.

But figures show it was neck and neck in Goulburn city where Ms Goward drew 6781 primary votes, including prepolls, to Dr Stephens’ 6489. The MP’s support in the electorate’s north, around Bundanoon, Exeter, Tallong and Marulan also held up.

Yass and surrounding area, added to the electorate in a redistribution, was new territory for both major party candidates.

Ms Goward and Dr Stephens extensively doorknocked the town and made major funding commitments for projects.

Yet the expected strong backlash by National Party voters, upset at the redistribution and loss of representative Katrina Hodgkinson, did not materialise.

Dr Stephens and Ms Goward were almost level pegging at 1954 and 1988 primary votes respectively, including prepolls.

The traditionally conservative areas around Crookwell also went in Ms Goward’s favour, as did Gunning and district.

With her re-election assured, yesterday the MP was awaiting Premier Mike Baird’s cabinet reshuffle. It came amid speculation she would lose her Planning portfolio.

In other election results, The Greens snared 3418 votes or 7.61pc. It was not quite the double figure that candidate Iain Fyfe had hoped.

The Outdoor Recreation Party’s Wal Ashton was sitting fourth with 2280 votes (5.08pc), while Adrian Van Der Byl from the Christian Democrats was sitting on 1079 votes (2.4pc).

The No Land Tax Party’s Stephen Fitzpatrick was last with 600 votes or 1.34pc.

Electoral Commission figures revealed that one-fifth (11,250) of the seat’s 53,960 registered voters decided to pre-poll.

The returning office has so far counted 46,189 votes, including 1300 informal.

Counts are continuing on prepolls, postals, iVotes and provisional/ silent categories while absentees will start on Monday.